Underdrive pulley kit.. Feedback Please.

[ATOMIC 8]

Did a search and couldn't find a definite answer..
While im doin the cam in my ute I thought about installing an upgraded balancer due to the longer life span an the better ability to cope with high rpm. Only thing is that the only one's available for the L98's are all 25% underdrive. Has anybody had any drama's with their engine running hotter, batteries not charging or power steering being noisy as a result of them not being spun as quick?

Thanks in advance for all your feedback..:)

[berroca]

can't comment on the L98

but i have one on my ls1 and know of dozens of others with them and no dramas at all, only good things

id imagine they would be the same

[255-LS1]

can't comment on the L98

but i have one on my ls1 and know of dozens of others with them and no dramas at all, only good things

id imagine they would be the same

same. no dramas here.

[smokin_LS1]

I've got a 25% Underdrive pulley kit on my ls1, had it for about 15 months and have had No problems at all with engine running hotter, batteries not charging or power steering being noisy.

Only thing I can suggest is don't get a kit with Nuline belts (From my experience they simply don't last long) I'm currently running Gates at the moment with no dramas so far, I have heard good reports about bosch belts too.

I gained 10 rwkw after install.

[SirNemesis]

I've got a 25% UD pulley on my L76(L98). No issues with charging or heat, but no benefits that I can see for having it either. If life span is your concern, wait for the factory one to break first ;)

[mickeyrourke]

I've got a 25% UD pulley on my L76(L98). No issues with charging or heat, but no benefits that I can see for having it either. If life span is your concern, wait for the factory one to break first ;)
I certainly don't recommend waiting for the factory one to break first as it will end in tears. I am speaking from experience here. I have a 2006 VE L98 which was still within warranty kms but just out of warranty time when it failed... Ain't that always the way - they've got the art of designed obsolescence down to a tee.

Now before the final warranty service I asked the dealer to check the funny wobble but they said it was not a problem. So my first piece of advice would be if there is even a slight hint of a wobble or noise from the balancer then insist they change it on warranty. Or bite the bullet and supply the aftermarket 25% UD kit anyway and see if they'll supply the labour under warranty - you won't regret it.

So anyway, when my Holden balancer failed I had the car towed to the dealer in the vain hope that they might make the warranty stretch a few months. No such luck. Dealer advised that the balancer had taken out the timing cover when it failed, quoted $767 plus GST for the cover and said there were none in the country and a 3 week wait. Total parts were to be about $1355 incl GST and labour another $1400 or so. Ouch! I was starting to get a bad feeling in my hip pocket region already.

Now fortunately the service manager was good enough to let me supply my own parts which I got from PacePerformance in the States - top blokes to deal with. So, for the timing cover that Holden wanted $767 + GST, Pace sold to me for US$34.95. That is not a misprint. On top of the UD balancer, belt and pulley kit I also needed a timing cover gasket, a front crankshaft seal, a balancer bolt, a sump gasket and 2 water pump gaskets. PM me if you need the part numbers.

Now while you're down there, there is a cheap fix from Holden to stop the air con belts from throwing that is worthwhile - part No. 92244378. It turns a kidney shaped belt path into a figure 8 path by adding an extra idler pulley. I don't have 20 posts so I can't post the link but PM me if you need pics.
Good luck.

[SS04]

I would love to see any pics if someone has some as I have no idea what these kits are or look like (just being honest) . Interesting reading though

[255-LS1]

i used this one, come with idlers and goodyear gatorback belts

http://www.taipanmotorsport.com.au/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=5&category_id=7&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=60

for L98

http://www.taipanmotorsport.com.au/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=4&category_id=8&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=60

[OVZ-346]

on my ls1 i did this when installing a camshaft , not for added hp but mainly as to not overspeed the accessories as much on high revs

i have not had an issue other than it had belt sqeek and it really annoyed me changd to bosch belys and no issue since

[feistl]

Hey guys,

Do you have part numbers for the better belts to suit an LS1 with 25% UDP? I changed mine about 7 months ago (or 700km :bawl:) so still running the supplied belts. Would really like to upgrade but wasnt sure on a part number/which brand is the best.

I didnt really notice a power change, but considering the car is used on the track for long stints the slower RPM speed for alternator/water pump/power steering is worth it.

[SirNemesis]

I certainly don't recommend waiting for the factory one to break first as it will end in tears. I am speaking from experience here. I have a 2006 VE L98 which was still within warranty kms but just out of warranty time when it failed... Ain't that always the way - they've got the art of designed obsolescence down to a tee.

Now before the final warranty service I asked the dealer to check the funny wobble but they said it was not a problem. So my first piece of advice would be if there is even a slight hint of a wobble or noise from the balancer then insist they change it on warranty. Or bite the bullet and supply the aftermarket 25% UD kit anyway and see if they'll supply the labour under warranty - you won't regret it.

So anyway, when my Holden balancer failed I had the car towed to the dealer in the vain hope that they might make the warranty stretch a few months. No such luck. Dealer advised that the balancer had taken out the timing cover when it failed, quoted $767 plus GST for the cover and said there were none in the country and a 3 week wait. Total parts were to be about $1355 incl GST and labour another $1400 or so. Ouch! I was starting to get a bad feeling in my hip pocket region already.

Now fortunately the service manager was good enough to let me supply my own parts which I got from PacePerformance in the States - top blokes to deal with. So, for the timing cover that Holden wanted $767 + GST, Pace sold to me for US$34.95. That is not a misprint. On top of the UD balancer, belt and pulley kit I also needed a timing cover gasket, a front crankshaft seal, a balancer bolt, a sump gasket and 2 water pump gaskets. PM me if you need the part numbers.

Now while you're down there, there is a cheap fix from Holden to stop the air con belts from throwing that is worthwhile - part No. 92244378. It turns a kidney shaped belt path into a figure 8 path by adding an extra idler pulley. I don't have 20 posts so I can't post the link but PM me if you need pics.
Good luck.

We'll have to agree to disagree. Just because Holden overcharged you for the repair isn't a good enough reason to replace something that isn't broken in my books.

[DAVESS-V]

Had one on my 07 ve ssv stroker and had no problems.

[smokin_LS1]

Hey guys,

Do you have part numbers for the better belts to suit an LS1 with 25% UDP? I changed mine about 7 months ago (or 700km :bawl:) so still running the supplied belts. Would really like to upgrade but wasnt sure on a part number/which brand is the best.

I didnt really notice a power change, but considering the car is used on the track for long stints the slower RPM speed for alternator/water pump/power steering is worth it.

I use:

6PK1930
4PK1030

[feistl]

Awesome, thanks mate. Where did you buy them from, what did you pay?

Cheers

[Lincoln87]

dont know much about them in my own personal exp.


but meh. ill chuck one on when i get a cam. why not.

[surfwagon]

i used this one, come with idlers and goodyear gatorback belts

http://www.taipanmotorsport.com.au/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=5&category_id=7&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=60



I used this kit on mine also, no problems and I have power everthing.
Sometimes when cold at idle the steering is a little rough but once the temp is up or the revs are up little smooth as silk.



__________________________________________________ _____
my senator http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=121025

[smokin_LS1]

Awesome, thanks mate. Where did you buy them from, what did you pay?

Cheers
I honestly can’t remember mate (sorry it was a while back) ? The Gates belts I purchased would of been from REPCO, for approx $60-70 for both.
Try to stay away from Dayco or Nuline if you can.

I 'm pretty sure you can get the Bosch belts from supercheap auto.
+ on your Aircon: I believe you can use either 4pk 1015 or 1030

[ATOMIC 8]

Thanks for all the feedback and info men.. Looks like i will add one to the shopping list.:)

Mickeyrourke, Already got the revised a/c bracket underway.. Thanks for the offer though.

[smokin_LS1]

I would love to see any pics if someone has some as I have no idea what these kits are or look like (just being honest) . Interesting reading though
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